As Muslim-Buddhist violence breaks out in Kachin state, Yangon archbishop calls for "peace and love"

by Francis Khoo Thwe

Burmese authorities arrest two Buddhist suspects over an attack against the commercial activities of Muslims in a state in northern Myanmar. Terror and suspicion prevail in the Muslim minority. Archbishop Bo reiterates Pope Francis's call for a "community of love" that can "put an end to decades of conflict and oppression."

Yangon (AsiaNews) - Burmese authorities arrested two Buddhists for
damaging the commercial activities of Muslims living in Kachin State, northern
Myanmar. Meanwhile, sectarian violence between Muslims and Buddhists continues
to spread like wildfire across the country, affecting for the first time predominantly
Catholic and Protestant areas in the north. Speaking out on sectarian hatred, Mgr
Charles Bo, archbishop of Yangon, launched an appeal for "peace and love". The prelate reiterated Pope Francis's recent
warning in which he invited the faithful to become a "community of
love", extending it to all Burmese.

A police officer in Kachin State reported the arrest of two Buddhists
suspected of involvement in an attack against Muslim-owned shops. Witnesses
said the raid took place two days ago in a village in the Hpakant Township
where minority Muslims live in fear and suspicion.

Although a majority of the population is against violence and in
favour of peaceful solutions, a feeling of helplessness prevails across the
country because of the clashes.

Speaking out a few days ago against the terrible "wave of
devastation and violence", the Archbishop of Yangon launched an appeal to all
Burmese, regardless of ethnicity or religious beliefs, but especially to "Buddhist
and Muslim brothers and sisters".

Mgr Bo did not hide his "deep concern" over the bloodshed
in Oakkan, Meikhtila and Rakhine State, calling on the peaceful "silent
majority" to make its voice heard and "say no to hatred and
violence."

He pointed out that the nation has an "opportunity to end decades of
conflict and oppression" but to achieve this goal, it must give precedence to
"peace and love" and promote "harmony and inter-faith
dialogue."